These elementary schools are taking the core values and healthy habits beyond their school gym and into every classroom.

Garden Ridge Elementary, Comal Independent School District, TXOur theme for the school year is Be The One: Be the one who is honest, has integrity, displays good sportsmanship, shows respect, is confident, is responsible, perseveres, displays courtesy, and sound judgment. We have infused The First Tee’s core values daily. Students who display good character can receive special recognition in our hallway displays. We also highlight a core value each month and choose two students from each grade level who exemplify that core value both in and out of the classroom. Our parents love that we value the importance of character as well as academic excellence. We love that The First Tee offers our students ways to incorporate the core values within the classroom and in life.– Julie Cronkhite, Principal

Mountain Valley Elementary, Comal Independent School District, TXWhen our students consistently demonstrate these character traits, they earn a special badge, which allows them to participate in some extra opportunities in recognition of their efforts. We ask parents to help us as we continue to develop these character traits with their students at school. Character has to do with all aspects of their lives, so it has even impacted homework completion, cafeteria behavior, work ethic, etc. Our goal is to help our students learn that character is something you develop; it takes hard work and continuous effort. Sometimes we all, even adults, make mistakes and we learn from them and become stronger.– Dr. Kristina Kahil, Principal

Pinewood Elementary, Charlotte –Mecklenburg Schools, NCThroughout the week, teachers discuss one of the nine core values and students have the opportunity to acknowledge one another for demonstrating that particular value [with a recognition poster]. Students who have earned stickers on the poster will be awarded special recognition because of their outstanding character. It is in these moments our students need to be recognized for doing the right thing.– Natasha Pegram, Principal